Courses

The 18-credit course work includes the required Introductory Sociology course, along with elective courses that you may choose to match your specific area of interest.

Convenient and Flexible

Each course is taught using a blend of web technology, print, and other media to maximize flexibility while maintaining teacher and student interaction. As a Penn State online student, you have the opportunity to learn when and where it's most convenient for you.

Course List - Undergraduate Minor in Sociology

Core Course (3 credits)
Title	Abbreviation	Description	Credits
Introductory Sociology	SOC 001	The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life.	3 credits

Elective Courses (15 credits; at least 6 credits must be at the 400 level)
Title	Abbreviation	Description	Credits
Criminology	SOC (CRIM/CRIMJ) 012	Explanations and measurement of crime; criminal law; characteristics of criminals and victims; violent, property, white-collar, organized, and sexual crimes.	3 credits
Sociology of the Family	SOC 030	Family structure and interaction; functions of the family as an institution; cross-cultural comparisons. (Students may take only one course for General Education credit from SOC 030 or HD FS 129.)	3 credits
Sociology of Aging	SOC 035	Introduction to the sociological study of aging.	3 credits
Society and Cultures in Modern Israel	SOC 060	An introduction to the society and cultures of the State of Israel from 1948 to the present.	3 credits
Race and Ethnic Relations	SOC 119	Historical patterns and current status of racial and ethnic groups; inequality, competition, and conflict; social movements; government policy.	4 credits
Social Influence and Small Groups	SOC 404	The study of social influence, leadership and status, and social cohesion and commitment processes in small groups.	3 credits
Work and Occupations	SOC 455	Work and occupational life in modern society; work in the past, present, and future.	3 credits
Gender, Occupations, and Professions	SOC 456	The role of gender in shaping contemporary North American patterns of employment, occupational roles, and statuses.	3 credits
Law and Society	SOC 467	Law and society studies the social origins of law and legal systems; occupational careers, and decision-making of legal officials.	3 credits

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.